Napoleon’s apartment at the Louvre
Paris in black and white: glorious landmarks and details
Can Paris be any more attractive than in spring time? Well yes, definitely when you present the city in a classic way, presented completely in black and white. There is a timeless beauty in Paris and portraying it in black and white imagery sets up the right tone, visiting some of the most well-known and loved places in the city. Walking through some of the stunning neighborhoods, majestic architecture and ornate interiors it’s easy to see the city in Monochrome. I wanted to present Paris without all the colors and distractions and from my viewpoint discoveries walking around the city. Also, I love to include lesser known spots and detailed shots to make you think about whether you have seen or experienced this particular spot in the city.
See if you can recognize any of these Paris in black and white venues below
The main dome of Sacre Coeur Paris
I took this shot at the interior of Sacre Coeur but didn’t see the do not take picture sign until someone pointed to me…oh well – it was too pretty not to share so I’m showing you my one shot of the gorgeous interior of this basilica.
Artist drawing in Monmarte, Paris
Just outside Sacre Coeur in Montmarte, is the artist district and square albeit gimmicky tourist attraction, but I could not help being drawn to watching some of the artist work on their craft and finding a photo worthy shot to capture the spirit of this area, even though it was very touristy.
Waiting for a crepe in Monmarte, Paris
You need to stop by these small hole in the wall creperies, it’s very Parisienne
Entrance courtyard to the D’Orsay museum, Paris
The D’Orsay is such an inspiring museum especially for lovers of Impressionistic art where all the French masters have their artwork on display. Impressive collections from famous painters like Van Gogh, Monet, Degas and this list goes on with amazing rooms filled with each well-known artist from that time frame. I was also captivated by the sculpture, grand entry and some of the architectural details of the museum below.
Looking across the grand hallway at the D’orsay
The majestic restaurant at the D’Orsay museum
Lunch at Musee D’Orsay restaurant
Outdoors in Paris
Walking along the Tuileries fronting the Seine river, you will see massive sculpture dotting this expansive park. I just had to take a photograph, but it’s always challenging taking pictures of sculpture and making them interesting within the composition of a photograph. I decided to use the dominant lion, but only include the front half and surrounding trees to give an essence of the walk and the Seine river in the background. What do you think, was it an interesting interpretation or boring overall?
Walking around the Tuilerie gardens, Paris
Discovering new vantage points to see the city from above is always fun and I went to the top of the Galleries Lafayette to check out the views on the rooftop. Surprisingly you get magnificent views of the Opera and surrounding areas with just a bit of the Eiffel Tower in the background. This was a successful stop, so try to get here late in the day to capture the afternoon light or even sunset and drinks which is perfect.
Above the Galleries Lafayette looking towards the Eiffel tower
Artistic details and Art Nouveau
An ornate chalice, found where?
Gorgeous art nouveau details in Paris
What could be more extravagant than visiting Napoleon’s apartments at the Louvre with these magnificent chandeliers completely lit up and illuminating these impressive rooms. Quite a different take seeing these rooms portrayed in black and white – do you think it works?
Napoleon’s apartment in the Louvre, Paris
Architectural detail at the Louvre
A staircase detail going somewhere famous, guess?
Black and white night scenes of Paris
Lit up majestically, the Arc de Triomphe
Everyone has to see the Arc de Triomphe lit up at night time and it is quite majestic with all the relief statues and the Eiffel tower just in the background also lit up. I think portraying this monument in black and white shows how timeless and attractive the monument is especially at night time.
Do you know the interior of this famous place in Paris?
Walking down the Champs Elysees, what a wonderful way to explore this famous boulevard especially at night time. Everything shop and venue seems so much more alive and exciting here at night time versus day light which portrays this more like just any well-known shopping venue around the world. I love that most of the shops are open late for tourists and those late night Parisien window shoppers.
Champs-Élysées lit up at night time
If your into seeing Paris in full color, check out this gorgeous city in springtime spending the perfect day in Paris here. Or you can visit Paris in the Winter time, it is totally different, unscripted and still amazing to visit.
interior view of Sacre Coeur, Paris
Check more inspiring posts to visiting Paris here
Spending a perfect day in Paris
10 tips and suggestions to visiting Paris
There you have it, some popular and obscure views and images of Paris in black and white. I hope you enjoyed this tour of the city, if so, would you mind sharing this post with any of the social media buttons that are located around the post? Thank you for visiting.
2 or 3 nice shots in there Noel! I’m not a huge fan of Paris because it’s so touristy, but very pretty to look at.
My favorite is the “Above the Galleries Lafayette looking towards the Eiffel tower”. I was in Paris for 3 days in March and I loved its architecture.
Paris does look better in Black and White. Makes the history…pop.
these are beautifil! Actuall Paris looks much better in black and white!
They are all beautiful, but I really love the “Looking across the grand hallway at the D’orsay” photo. Great shots!
What a beautiful and different perspective. I do prefer color but would like to experiment more with b and w.
Beautiful pictures Noel!!
Nicely done! I would never thought of doing a post about Paris in black and white but it works so well.
The stunning architecture of Paris looks so beautiful in black and white, your photos are fabulous
Stunning! I think people forget these days that black and white can turn a photograph into something spectacular. More black and white I say!
I love paris – and particularly the Musee d’Orsay. I forgot it was closed on Mondays and never got there on my last visit, so thanks for your pictures!
Thanks for your great interpretation of Paris in springtime.
Paris is a wonderful city and it is a new experience to see some highlights in Bloack and White
I love Paris in the springtime…and I love Black and Whites!